The beloved country-house was selected by Goop editors in its ‘The Forward-to-Your-SO’ gift guide, alongside other big name brands including Chanel, Rolex and Birkin.

The guide is curated by the website’s editors to suggest meaningful presents for those people who have everything.

Self-taught cook, Myrtle Allen opened a restaurant in her dining room in Ballymaloe House in 1964, at a time when it was unusual to see pioneering women in business. Myrtle went on to become the first female chef in Ireland to be awarded a Michelin Star.

Today, a strong team of female leadership keeps Ballymaloe House Hotel running with with Laura Behan as General Manager, Dervilla O’Flynn as Head Chef, Fern Allen is House Manager and Roisin Berner is Housekeeping Manager.

Lyndsay Greer-Cashman is Front of House Manager, Daphne Spillane is Reservations & Revenue Manager, Helen Cuddigan is Marketing & Digital Manager and Head Gardener Mags Coughlan. Bree Allen heads up the Ballymaloe Grainstore, and Chloe Taberman recently joined the team as Events Manager.

“While Ballymaloe House Hotel proudly stands on its own reputation, to be recognised in Goop’s seasonal gift guide will bring what we do to an entire new audience. We look forward to a busy 2024 season, welcoming back returning guests, and our newer ones,” said Marketing and Digital Manager Helen Cuddigan.